Chapter 4 : Lesson 3

Canada’s Government

A self governing territory associated with another country.

(Canada remains connected to Britain as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations)

Commonwealth

An election in which all citizens can vote as long as they meet the requirements.

Free Election

A small part of a group.

Minority

A governing system in which citizens elect members of a legislature called a parliament.

(Queen, Senate, House of Commons)

House of Parliament

Parliamentary Democracy

The leader of a parliamentary government who heads both the executive and legislative branches.

Stephen Harper

Prime Minister

Parliament

In Canada, there are two houses: Senate – advisory body House of Commons – citizens vote for these

people; they have most of the lawmaking authority

Judicial Branch

Canada has a Supreme Court as well as national courts.

The prime minister and his cabinet choose the judges for this court.

A governing system in which the states share authority with a national, or central government.

Federal System

A person who wants to become or remain separate from a government or group.

Some people in Quebec want to become an independent nation.

Separatist

An election in which citizens can vote to reject or accept a suggested law.

Referendum